Ch-73: Cringed Old Man

"Begin."

The bell rang.

Tian Shen moved first.

He didn't summon flame.

Instead—he drew his sword.

A clean, fluid motion. Quiet as breath. The blade gleamed, and for the first time in a public duel—Tian Shen stepped into the realm of Sword Intent.

Let's try it, he thought. Let's see where I stand.

Li Cheng's eyes narrowed slightly.

"You're not using your spirit flame?"

Tian Shen didn't reply. His feet shifted into a forward stance, body low, blade angled slightly downward—flowing like water.

The pressure changed.

Around Tian Shen, a beastial aura emerged.

Li Cheng smiled faintly.

"I see. So you've stepped into the path of the sword as well."

He lifted his own blade.

Then—they vanished.

A single clash echoed across the arena.

CLANG!

Sparks flew from the center of the platform.

Both reappeared, skidding away from one another.